Thanks to its smooth ride and relatively quiet operation, the 500L’s cabin is a pleasant place to watch the miles roll by.

Rob Rothwell

It’s definitely Euro-chic, and it has a great little engine. The Fiat 500L is an Italian-inspired Serbian-manufactured compact five-door people mover that’s making waves in North America, delightfully finding its way through urban traffic to the nearest kid-friendly espresso bar. At least that’s how I see it.

In addition to its inherent efficiency and practicality, there’s no doubt this five-seat wagon is intended to bring a little joy to driving, and why not?

2014 Fiat 500LHandout /
Fiat

It’s based on one of the most fun-filled cars of this decade, the retro-inspired Fiat 500, a modern interpretation of the Fiat Cinquecento introduced in Italy in 1957. But a car must be more than driveable memorabilia to succeed in today’s intensely competitive market. Last week’s First Steer was the Mazda3 GT, which is similarly priced to this week’s tester.

While these two vehicles are comparable in many ways, they’re a world apart in personality. With that in mind, let’s have a closer look at the 500L.

I was somewhat surprised by the Fiat’s punchy throttle response and its ability to pull throughout its generous rev band.

2014 Fiat 500LGraeme Fletcher /
Driving

This forceful first impression is that of a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine capable of advancing 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque to the Fiat’s 17-inch machined aluminum wheels.

Sitting between the front rubber and the engine is a six-speed manual gearbox, or an optional six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. My tester was equipped with the latter six cogs, which is a $1,450 option. If I were purchasing this car, I’d skip the payment and happily shift my own gears.

The 500L is available in four distinct trim levels, starting with the $19,995 Pop through to the $25,995 Lounge.

Holding middle ground are the $22,995 Sport and the $23,995 trekking versions. In each case, the same MultiAir Fiat engine performs the pulling, with fuel-economy rated at 8.7 L/100 km and 6.0L/100 km city and highway respectively (auto transmission). The printed ratings seem a little too optimistic given my in-town consumption of 10.3L/100 km. I could probably improve that by choosing not to exploit the anger of the diminutive four-banger underneath the hood, but what fun would that be?

However, there’s quirkiness in the entity that is the Fiat 500L; dual A-pillars being the most obvious example of its idiosyncratic design. Whimsically, the anomalies make the act of driving the 500L akin to learning a new language.

Yet, once fluent with its quirks — such as a left armrest so far from the driver to be near useless, and a number of oddly-placed switches — the 500L becomes delightful to drive, though in a manner that embraces its foibles rather than resists them. It’s similar to the draw of an intriguing eccentric adding interest to the otherwise mundane.

Despite its compressed breadbox design, the 500L is remarkably spacious inside, happily accommodating of both humans and their baggage — metaphorical and real.

While occupants enjoy upright seating positions and unobstructed views through expansive sheets of glass, bulky items can be carried in the cargo-hold or on a removable shelf behind the rear seat. A large rear hatch provides unimpeded access to the cargo bay. The 60/40-split rear seat slides fore and aft several inches to easily balance human comfort with freight demands.

2014 Fiat 500LGraeme Fletcher /
Driving

Thanks to the vehicle’s tall stance and flat roofline, interior capacity is maximized, especially when the rear seats are folded and tumbled forward.

My tester was equipped with an optional glass sunroof. The breadth of glass overhead imparted an airy openness to the cabin that enhanced the motoring experience for all occupants. This is one option box into which I’d gladly place a check.

This somewhat quirky vehicle isn’t for everyone. Traditionalists will circumvent its foreign Euro-flair for less eccentric offerings in the segment, and that’s too bad.

The Fiat 500L exudes character while delivering a smooth, relatively quiet ride underscored by an over-achieving engine. Unfortunately, the feisty mill didn’t return its posted fuel-economy, and that’s disappointing.

Nonetheless, the 500L generated plenty of interest from curious latte-laden admirers and their trailing broods while happily hauling people and wares all week.